Cruise & Ferry Review - Spring/Summer 2021

1 0 8 Austal’s Volta series launch vessels include, from left, Passenger Express 32V, Passenger Express 46V and Passenger Express 43V INTERV IEW Staying sustainable in a crisis Austal Australia’s Sander van Essen tells Elly Yates-Roberts how the organisation has developed a new range of electric ferries during the pandemic I n January 2021, shipbuilding company Austal Australia launched its Volta series of electric-powered, high-speed ferries. The first of these vessels is the Passenger Express 46V, a fully electric 46-metre catamaran ferry. Austal was able to launch the series of environmentally conscious vessels during one of the most turbulent times for business, and naval architect Sander van Essen credits its in-house processes and flexibility. “While the Covid-19 pandemic has undoubtedly had an impact on the global shipbuilding industry, we have been fortunate that the impact on Austal and our Volta series development has been quite minimal, with all design work completed in-house, in Henderson, Australia,” he says. “Our preference has always been to meet with key stakeholders in person, but during the pandemic we had to necessarily conduct many discussions online. “The pandemic has certainly shown us what can be achieved remotely and without the environmental impact associated with long-distance travel.” Environmental sustainability and the impact of its vessels is becoming an important consideration in how Austal runs its business. “It is certainly a focus for our operations around the world and is a key driver of new product development,” explains Van Essen. “With Volta, we have sought to achieve greater environmental sustainability through the development of new, optimised hull designs specifically developed for “ We believe zero-emission waterborne transport has a bright future”